Simplifying contract hire comparison

Most small businesses will shop around to obtain the right car at the right price. Comparing contract hire prices on a like-for-like basis, however, can be a difficult and time-consuming task, with small fleets having to contact numerous companies, brokers or dealers, or visiting multiple websites to get three or four prices to compare.

Most websites have “special offers” on vehicles and terms. But for fleets that are looking for a specific car or van, it’s pot luck if one is being offered.Prices vary considerably between leasing companies, due to the different residual values they set and their own terms of procurement. As a result, there can be large variances in the contract hire rentals offered.

There are other options, however. A number of price comparison sites have developed on the internet making it easier for small businesses to get initial quotations on a like-for-like basis. They include Comparecontracthire.com where 14 FN50 finance companies provide their pricing on the following parameters.

Business or personal contract hire.
Maintained or non-maintained contract hire.
Two, three and four year contracts.
Standard payments terms of three months initial rental followed by subsequent rentals for the period chosen.
Annual mileages are available on 10,000 or 20,000 miles per annum.

Comparison sites have quote engines which allow fleets to search by exact model, budget, CO2 emissions or combined fuel economy.

Comparecontracthire.com also offers full technical information with data being supplied by CAP.

Once fleets find the vehicle of their choice, they contact the finance partner directly to find out more, add accessories and place the order.

Robert Wastell is director of www.comparecontracthire.com